Dextran sulfate

ABSTRACT

A dextran sulfate, or a salt thereof, has a number average molecular weight (Mn) as measured by NMR spectroscopy within an interval of 1850 and 3500 Da. The dextran sulfate, or the salt thereof, also has an average sulfate number per glucose unit within an interval of 2.5 and 3.0. Furthermore, an average sulfation of C2 position in the glucose units of the dextran sulfate, or the salt thereof, is at least 90%. The dextran sulfate has improved biological effects and/or reduced toxicity as compared to similar dextran sulfate molecules available on the market.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present embodiments generally relate to dextran sulfate, and in particular to a new dextran sulfate having improved biological effect and low toxicity.

BACKGROUND

Dextran is a complex, branched glucan, i.e. a polysaccharide made of glucose units, composed of chains of varying lengths typically from one or few thousand Dalton (Da) up to several hundred thousand Da.

The straight chain of dextran consists of α-1,6 glycosidic linkages between glucose units, while branches begin, usually, from α-1,3 linkages. Dextran is synthesized from sucrose by certain lactic acid bacteria, such as Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus brevis.

Dextran sulfate is a polyanionic derivative of dextran, in which some of the C2-C4 and end group C1 and C6 positions are sulfated. Dextran sulfate has been known for decades and particularly as a potential substitute for heparin in anticoagulant therapy.

Dextran sulfate molecules are available in different molecular weights, different levels of branching and different sulfate contents and sulfation patterns. These physical and chemical differences among dextran sulfate molecules give rise to different biological and toxic effects.

There is a need for a dextran sulfate having improved biological effects while still not being toxic at pharmaceutically relevant dosages.

SUMMARY

It is a general objective to provide a dextran sulfate having improved biological effects while still not being toxic at pharmaceutically relevant dosages.

This and other objectives are met by embodiments as disclosed herein.

An aspect of the embodiments relates to a dextran sulfate, or a salt thereof, having a number average molecular weight (M_(n)) as measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy within an interval of 1850 and 3500 Da. The dextran sulfate, or the salt thereof, also has an average sulfate number per glucose unit within an interval of 2.5 and 3.0. Furthermore, an average sulfation of C2 position in the glucose units of the dextran sulfate, or the salt thereof, is at least 90%.

A dextran sulfate of the embodiments has improved biological effects and/or reduced toxicity as compared to similar dextran sulfate molecules available on the market.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by making reference to the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an expansion of 1D ¹H NMR spectrum of the dextran starting material focused on the region with the dextran signals.

FIG. 2 is a comparison of 1D ¹H NMR spectra of the dextran starting material and a dextran sulfate of the embodiments (batch no. 3).

FIG. 3 illustrates 2D ¹³C-¹H HSQC spectrum of a dextran sulfate of the embodiments (batch no. 1) at 25° C. overlaid with the corresponding spectrum of the dextran sulfate starting material.

FIG. 4 illustrates 1D ¹H NMR spectrum of a dextran sulfate of the embodiments (batch no. 3) at 25° C.

FIG. 5 illustrates 2D ¹³C-¹H HSQC spectrum of a dextran sulfate of the embodiments (batch no. 3) at 25° C. Each peak corresponds to a C—H bond with different chemical environment. Peak areas are approximately proportional to the population of each C—H bond.

FIG. 6 illustrates a comparison of the dextran sulfate region of 1D ¹H NMR spectra for dextran sulfate molecules according to the embodiments (top—batch no. 1, middle—batch no. 2, bottom—batch no. 3).

FIG. 7 illustrates 2D ¹³C-¹H HSQC spectrum of a dextran sulfate of the embodiments (batch no. 3) at 25° C.

FIG. 8 illustrates the effects of dextran sulfate on white blood cells in peripheral blood. The animals were treated with a single i.v. injection of dextran sulfate of different average molecular weights in doses of 50 mg/kg. Buffered saline (NaCl) was used as vehicle control. Some animals were sedated using penta-sodium barbital (PNB) instead of isoflurane to compare the effect of different methods of anesthesia. Error bars show standard error of mean (SEM). Student t-test was used to evaluate statistically significant differences compared to control group (*p<0.05, **p<0.01, ***p<0.001).

FIG. 9 illustrates the efficacy of dextran sulfate on mobilizing hematopoietic progenitor cells into peripheral blood. Animals were treated with a single i.v. injection of dextran sulfate of different average molecular weight or with vehicle (NaCl). Error bars show SEM. Student t-test was used to evaluate statistically significant differences compared to control group (*p<0.05).

FIG. 10 illustrates the efficacy of dextran sulfate on increasing HGF levels in peripheral blood. Animals were treated with a single i.v. injection of dextran sulfate of different average molecular weight or with vehicle (NaCl). Error bars show SEM. Student t-test was used to evaluate statistically significant differences compared to control group (***p<0.001).

FIG. 11 illustrates the effects of administered dextran sulfate 5 HS (30.0 mg/kg) and a dextran sulfate of the embodiments (batch no. 3, 30 mg/kg) and vehicle on cumulative disease index.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a production process for the production of dextran sulfate of the embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates 1D ¹H NMR spectrum of a dextran sulfate according to prior art.

FIG. 14 illustrates 2D ¹³C-¹H HSQC spectrum of a dextran sulfate according to prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present embodiments generally relate to dextran sulfate, and in particular to a new dextran sulfate having improved biological effect and low toxicity.

The present embodiments are based on the surprising discovery that dextran sulfate molecules have significantly different biological effects although the dextran sulfate molecules have rather similar chemical and physical properties. A dextran sulfate has thereby been manufactured having a number average molecular weight and sulfation content and pattern that result in improved biological effects and low toxicity as compared to similar dextran sulfate molecules available on the market.

Traditionally, dextran sulfate molecules have been characterized with regard to molecular weight parameters using size exclusion chromatography (SEC), such as SEC high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or SE-HPLC for short. SEC is also known as gel filtration chromatography, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) or molecular sieve chromatography in the art. Other common technologies used to measure molecular weight parameters of dextran sulfate and related glucans is light scattering, such as static light scattering (SLS), or viscosity-based technologies.

However, these technologies of determining molecular weight parameters of dextran sulfate report on molecular volume and shape function rather than its molecular weight. This means that if the dextran sulfate molecules form aggregates or complexes during the measurements a higher apparent molecular weight is determined.

Furthermore, several factors and settings used in the measurement affect the apparent molecular weight of the dextran sulfate molecule, such as choice of chromatography column and eluent, flow rate settings, calibration procedure, including dextran standard used in the calibration procedure, charge of dextran sulfate molecules, etc.

In addition, the indirect methods rather report on molecular volume and shape, which may differ significantly not only from batch to batch but also from sample to sample within the same batch depending on, for instance, how the dextran sulfate material has been stored, how it is prepared prior to the measurement, etc.

A more exact technology has been used to determine molecular weight parameters of dextran sulfate that give true molecular weight parameters and not size-affected parameters. This technology is further compared to traditional used technologies mentioned above.

In order to be able to straight-forward compare molecular weight/size determinations by different methods, it is important to understand the commonly used molecular size definitions as listed here below.

The parameter N_(i) indicates the number of dextran sulfate molecules having a molecular weight of M_(i) in a sample or batch.

Number average molecular weight (M_(n)):

$\frac{\sum{M_{i}N_{i}}}{\sum N_{i}},$ typically derived by end group assays, e.g. nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy or chromatography. If a normal distribution is assumed, then a same number of dextran sulfate molecules can be found on each side of M_(n), i.e. the number of dextran sulfate molecules in the sample having a molecular weight below M_(n) is equal to the number of dextran sulfate molecules in the sample having a molecular weight above M_(n).

Weight average molecular weight (M_(w)):

$\frac{\sum{M_{i}^{2}N_{i}}}{\sum{M_{i}N_{i}}},$ typical for methods sensitive to molecular size rather than numerical value, e.g. light scattering and SEC methods. If a normal distribution is assumed, then a same weight on each side of M_(w), i.e. the total weight of dextran sulfate molecules in the sample having a molecular weight below M_(w) is equal to the total weight of dextran sulfate molecules in the sample having a molecular weight above M_(w).

Average or size average molecular weights (M_(z)):

$\frac{\sum{M_{i}^{n + 1}N_{i}}}{\sum{M_{i}^{n}N_{i}}},$ typical for methods measuring motion of molecules as diffusion techniques or sedimentation. Generally, more sensitive for high molecular weight polymers. Notably, n=0 gives M_(n) and n=1 gives M_(w).

Polydispersity index (PDI) (M_(w)/M_(n)), a common measure of the broadness of the molecular weight distribution. A value of 1 implies a monodisperse polymer, 1.02 to 1.10 is common for very controlled synthetic polymers, 1.5 to 2 are common for chain reaction products and ˜2 is common for step polymerization products.

Mode of molecular weight distribution (M_(p)) represents molecular weight of highest peak in liquid chromatography (LC) chromatogram. Often stated for narrow distributions of standard polymers and determined by GPC/SEC or light scattering.

An aspect of the embodiments relates to dextran sulfate, or a salt thereof, characterized by a number average molecular weight (M_(n)) as measured by NMR spectroscopy within an interval of 1850 and 3500 Da. The dextran sulfate, or the salt thereof, also has an average sulfate number per glucose unit within an interval of 2.5 and 3.0 and an average sulfation of C2 position in the glucose units of the dextran sulfate, or the salt thereof, is at least 90%.

The dextran sulfate, or the salt thereof, of the embodiments has a very narrow range of the molecular weight parameter values, i.e. the number average molecular weight (M_(n)). This number average molecular weight (M_(n)) is measured by an end group assay based on NMR spectroscopy as further described herein. NMR spectroscopy measurements give more consistent results with regard to molecular weight parameter determination than the traditionally used GPC, SEC and light scattering techniques. Furthermore, NMR spectroscopy measurements give true or correct number average molecular weight (M_(n)) of the dextran sulfate molecules that is not affected by any aggregation or complex formation, which is a common problem in the traditionally used techniques.

In a particular embodiment, the dextran sulfate, or the salt thereof, has a number average molecular weight (M_(n)) as measured by NMR spectroscopy within an interval of 1850 and 2500 Da, preferably within the interval of 1850 and 2300 Da. In a particular embodiment, the dextran sulfate, or the salt thereof (excluding any counter ions), has a number average molecular weight (M_(n)) as measured by NMR spectroscopy within an interval of 1850 and 2200 Da, preferably within an interval of 1850 and 2100 Da and more preferably within an interval of 1850 and 2000 Da.

In an embodiment, the salt of dextran sulfate is a sodium salt or a potassium salt, preferably a sodium salt. The salt is preferably a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of dextran sulfate.

In a particular embodiment, the sodium salt of dextran sulfate including the Na⁺ counter ions has a number average molecular weight (M_(n)) as determined by NMR spectroscopy within an interval of 1850 and 3500 Da, preferably within an interval of 2000 and 2500 Da and more preferably within an interval of 2000 and 2400 Da, such as within an interval of 2100 and 2300 Da.

In an embodiment, the dextran sulfate, or the salt thereof, preferably has an average number of glucose units within an interval of 4.0 and 6.0. In a preferred embodiment, the dextran sulfate, or the salt thereof, has an average number of glucose units within an interval of 4.5 and 5.5, more preferably within an interval of 5.0 and 5.2, such as about 5.1.

In an embodiment, the dextran sulfate, or the salt thereof, has an average sulfate number per glucose within an interval of 2.5 and 2.8, preferably within an interval of 2.6 and 2.7.

An average number of glucose units within an interval of 4.0 and 6.0 and an average sulfate number per glucose unit within an interval of 2.5 and 3.0 result in a total number of sulfate atoms in the dextran sulfate, or the salt thereof, within an interval of 10.0 and 18.0. In an embodiment, the dextran sulfate, or the salt thereof, preferably has a total number of sulfate atoms within an interval of 11.25 and 15.4, preferably within an interval of 13.0 and 14.0.

Generally, a dextran sulfate molecule of the embodiments having on average 5.1 glucose units and an average sulfate number per glucose unit of 2.6 to 2.7 typically result in a number average molecular weight (M_(n)) as measured by NMR spectroscopy within an interval of 1850 and 2000 Da.

The formula below schematically represents a dextran sulfate molecule with three glucose units and a maximum number of sulfur atoms, i.e. each site or position in the dextran core that can be sulfated has been sulfated in the structural formula. Hence, the non-end glucose unit is illustrated as being sulfated at C2, C3 and C4 positions and the end glucose unit with free C1 position is sulfated at C1, C2, C3 and C4 positions and the end glucose unit with free C6 position is sulfated at C2, C3, C4 and C6 positions.

The average sulfatation of the C2 position in the glucose units of the dextran sulfate, or the salt thereof, is at least 90%. In an embodiment, the average sulfation of the C2 position is at least 95%.

In an embodiment, the average sulfate number at the C2, C3 and C4 positions in the glucose units of the dextran sulfate, or the salt thereof, is within an interval of 2.0 and 2.6, preferably within an interval of 2.2 and 2.6, such as within an interval of 2.3 and 2.5.

In an embodiment, the average sulfation of the C3 position in the glucose units of the dextran sulfate, or the salt thereof, is within an interval of 80 and 90%, preferably within an interval of 84 and 87%.

The dextran sulfate, or the salt of the embodiments, thereby has a high degree of sulfation at the C2, C3 and C4 positions in the glucose units in the dextran core. In a particular embodiment, at least 70% of these positions are sulfated and more preferably at least 75% of these positions. In a particular embodiment, 75 to 85% of the total number of the C2, C3 and C4 positions in the dextran core are sulfated.

In an embodiment, an average sulfation of the end group C6 is at least 80%, preferably at least 85%.

The end group C1 can assume an α-configuration or a β-configuration. Generally there is an equilibrium between these two end group configurations.

It seems that the end group C1 is more easily sulfated when assuming the β-configuration as compared to the α-configuration. Hence, in a particular embodiment, the sulfation of the end group C1 is higher when in the β-configuration as compared to the α-configuration. In an embodiment, an average sulfation of the end group C1 in β-configuration is at least 75%, preferably at least 80% or at least 85%. Correspondingly, in an embodiment, an average sulfation of the end group C1 in α-configuration is preferably at least 15%, preferably within an interval of 15 and 75%, more preferably within an interval of 15 and 50%, such as within an interval of 15 and 45%.

In an embodiment, an end group C1 position is sulfated or is bond to —OH. Hence, the dextran sulfate, or the salt thereof, preferably lacks any end terminal modification other than sulfation (—SO₃).

As mentioned in the background, the straight chain of dextran consists of α-1,6 glycosidic linkages between glucose units. The dextran molecule could be a straight chain merely consisting of glucose units in a non-branched chain. Dextran molecules could also be branched, usually through α-1,3 linkages.

In an embodiment, the dextran sulfate, or the salt thereof, has an average branching of glucose units that is less than 5.0%, such as less than 3.0%, preferably less than 1.5%, such as less than 1.0%. Hence, the dextran sulfate, or the salt thereof, of the embodiments is preferably a highly straight molecule with few branches if any.

A particular embodiment relates to a sodium salt of dextran sulfate having a number average molecular weight (M_(n)) as measured by NMR spectroscopy, including the Na⁺ counter ion, within an interval of 2100 and 2300 Da. The salt of dextran sulfate has on average 5.0 to 5.2 glucose units and an average sulfate number per glucose unit is within an interval of 2.5 and 2.8. In a particular embodiment, the average sulfation of the C2 position is at least 95%. An average sulfate number at the C2, C3 and C4 positions in the glucose units is furthermore preferably within an interval of 2.2 and 2.6.

The dextran sulfate of the embodiments has improved biological effects and/or lower toxicity as compared to similar dextran sulfate molecules available on the market as shown in the following experiments. These differences in biological effects and toxicity were highly surprising given that the dextran sulfate molecules have fairly similar molecular weight and sulfation parameters. Hence, there seems to be specific ranges of molecular parameter values and sulfation parameter values that give the dextran sulfate molecules these advantageous effects over other dextran sulfate molecules having molecular weight parameter values and/or sulfation parameter values outside of the specific ranges or intervals of the embodiments.

Dextran sulfate is produced by sulfation of a dextran starting material in an esterification reaction. There are various production processes disclosed in the prior art for the production of dextran sulfate. Examples of documents that disclose such production processes include Ricketts, Biochemical Journal, 51: 129-133 (1952); Swedish patent no. 165 090; U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,715,091; 3,141,014; 3,498,972 and 4,855,416. Different production processes use different sulfating agent, such as concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), sulfur trioxide (SO₃) or chlorosulfonic acid (ClSO₃H); different solvents, such as pyridine (C₅H₅N), formamide (NH₂COH), or acetamide (CH₃CONH₂); and different process parameters. These differences may influence the chemical and physical properties of the dextran sulfate end product.

A currently preferred production process is described here below with reference to FIG. 12. Dextran sulfate is produced by sulfating a dextran starting material. Separation of dextran sulfate with appropriate molecular weight is accomplished by ethanol fractionation, in which the largest molecular weight molecules precipitates first.

In a first step, the dextran starting material is added to the solvent formamide under stirring. The vessel content is stirred and gently heated, then cooled as the mixture is transferred to the scrubber.

In the esterification reaction, chlorosulfonic acid is added during 5-6 hours under cooling with brine. The temperature is kept constant ≤34° C., and if needed, heated with 1 atm pressure water vapor. The mixture is transferred to another vessel via the scrubber followed by a rinse with purified water. Stirring is made before the first ethanol precipitation.

In an alternative embodiment, the cholorosulfonic acid is added to a portion of the formamide during about 3 hours under cooling with brine. The mixture of dextran and the remaining formamide is then transferred to the vessel containing the mixture of chlorosulfonic acid and formamide while maintaining the temperature <34° C.

In the precipitation step, an ethanol-water mixture is pumped to the dextran sulfate mixture, which is stirred. The mixture is left overnight under cooling with brine. On the next day, the top phase, supernatant (ethanol phase) is removed. The lower phase is washed with ethanol, stirred, left to precipitate, and the supernatant is removed. This procedure is conducted five times. Cooling is achieved with brine and sodium hydroxide is added until the pH is 9.5. After the second and fourth precipitation step, the precipitate is dissolved with water. After the third precipitation step, the precipitate is dissolved in water and optionally disodium hydrogen phosphate and sodium dihydrogen phosphate. The fifth precipitation step is conducted with absolute ethanol. The dextran sulfate mixture is pumped through a filter to an ethanol vessel, under cooling with brine or cooling water (at approximately 10° C.). The pump is rinsed with purified water, stirred, and left for sedimentation. The ethanol supernatant is removed to a tank and absolute ethanol is added to the product under stirring. The mixture is cooled with cooling water.

The above description precipitation procedure is a preferred procedure within the production of a dextran sulfate according to the embodiments. However, variants of the precipitation procedure are possible, such as reducing or increasing the number of precipitation steps. Although ethanol is a preferred alcohol used in the precipitation procedure, other alcohols could be used, such as methanol.

In the centrifugation step, the mixture is moved to a centrifuge. After the centrifugation, the centrifugate is removed. It is placed in plastic containers lined with double plastic bags. The centrifugate is dissolved in ethanol. Then it is centrifuged once more, and the centrifugate is washed with ethanol in the centrifuge.

The centrifugate is put in filter covered beakers in LAF 5, and then the beakers are placed in a vacuum drying cabinet. After drying the dextran sulfate powder is passed through a 710 μm sieve into plastic containers lined with PE bags.

In order to produce about 10-13 kg of dextran sulfate of the embodiments the following materials and amounts are typically used.

Amount Formula (kg) Component Dextran 1 (Pharmacosmos A/S) (C₆H₁₀O₆)_(n) 9.2 Formamide (Univar A/S) NH₂COH 69.4 Chlorosulfonic acid (Merck- ClSO₃H 25.8 Schuchardt) Sodium hydroxide 27.7% (Chemark) NaOH 20.7 Purified water H₂O Ethanol (Univar A/S) C₂H₅OH 135 Disodium hydrogen phosphate Na₂HPO₄•2H₂O 0.2493 dihydrate (Merck) Sodium dihydrogen phosphate NaH₂PO₄•2H2O 0.2144 dihydrate (Merck) Product Sodium dextran sulfate (C₆H₁₀O₆)_(n)-SO₃- Na⁺ ~10-13

Main reaction during synthesis: NH₂COH+ClSO₃H↔H₃N⁺COH+ClSO₃ ⁻ (C₆H₁₀O₆)_(n)+NH₂COH→(C₆H₁₀O₆)_(n) . . . NH₂COH (H₃N⁺COH+ClSO₃ ⁻)+(C₆H₁₀O₆)_(n) . . . NH₂COH→(C₆H₁₀O₆)_(n) ⁻SO₃ ⁻+H₃N₊COH+Cl⁻ (C₆H₁₀O₆)_(n) ⁻SO₃ ⁺+H₃N⁺COH+Na⁺OH⁻→(C₆H₁₀O₆)_(n) ⁻SO₃ ⁻Na⁺+NH₂COH+Na⁺→(H₂O+C₂H₅OH)→(C₆H₁₀O₆)_(n) ⁻SO₃ ⁻Na⁺ (C₆H₁₀O₆)_(n) ⁻SO₃ ⁻Na⁺+Na₂HPO₄+NaH₂PO₄→(C₆H₁₀O₀)_(n) ⁻SO₃ ⁻Na⁺+PO₄ ²⁻

Another aspect of the embodiments relates to a dextran sulfate according to the embodiments for use as a medicament.

Further aspect of the embodiments relates to a dextran sulfate according to the embodiments for use in different medical applications including for use in mobilizing progenitor and/or stem cells into the peripheral blood of a subject, including mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and/or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs); for use in mobilizing target white blood cells, in particular lymphocytes, into the blood stream of a subject; for use in reducing pulmonary uptake of intravenously injected cells in a subject; for use in inducing hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in a subject, and for use as an anticoagulant. The dextran sulfate according to the embodiments is also suitable for use in treating, inhibiting or preventing various demyelinating diseases, including CNS demyelinating diseases, such as myelinoclastic disorders, e.g. multiple sclerosis (MS) and Devic's disease, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), leukodystrophic disorders, e.g. CNS neuropathies, central pontine myelinolysis, myelopathies, leukoencephalopathies and leukodystropies, and peripheral demyelinating diseases, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and peripheral neuropathies.

The dextran sulfate of the embodiments can also be useful in treating, inhibiting and/or preventing instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR) and graft rejection of organs, tissues and in particular cell implants, such as islets of Langerhans.

Dextran sulfate, or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, of the embodiments is preferably administered by injection to the subject and in particular by intravenous (i.v.) injection, subcutaneous (s.c.) injection or (i.p.) intraperitoneal injection, preferably i.v. or s.c. injection. Other parenteral administration routes that can be used include intramuscular and intraarticular injection.

The dextran sulfate, or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, of the embodiments is preferably formulated as an aqueous injection solution with a selected solvent or excipient. The solvent is advantageously an aqueous solvent and in particular a buffer solution. A non-limiting example of such a buffer solution is a citric acid buffer, such as citric acid monohydrate (CAM) buffer, or a phosphate buffer. For instance, dextran sulfate of the embodiments can be dissolved in saline, such as 0.9% NaCl saline, and then optionally buffered with 75 mM CAM and adjusting the pH to about 5.9 using sodium hydroxide. Also non-buffered solutions are possible, including aqueous injection solutions, such as saline, i.e. NaCl (aq). Furthermore, other buffer systems than CAM or phosphate buffer could be used if a buffered solution are desired.

The embodiments are not limited to injections and other administration routes can alternatively be used including orally, nasally, bucally, rectally, dermally, tracheally, bronchially, or topically. The active compound, dextran sulfate, is then formulated with a suitable excipient or carrier that is selected based on the particular administration route.

Suitable dose ranges for the dextran sulfate of the embodiments may vary according to the size and weight of the subject, the condition for which the subject is treated, and other considerations. In particular for human subjects, a possible dosage range could be from 1 μg/kg to 150 mg/kg of body weight, preferably from 10 μg/kg to 100 mg/kg of body weight.

In preferred embodiments, the dextran sulfate, or the pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, is formulated to be administered at a dosage in a range from 0.05 to 50 mg/kg of body weight of the subject, preferably from 0.1 to 40 mg/kg of body weight of the subject, and more preferably from 0.1 to 30 mg/kg or from 0.1 to 15 mg/kg body weight of the subject.

Administration of dextran sulfate, or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, does not necessarily have to be limited to treatment of a present medical condition but could alternatively, or in addition, be used for prophylaxis.

The dextran sulfate of the embodiments can be administered at a single administration occasion, such as in the form of a single bolus injection. This bolus dose can be injected quite quickly to the patient but is advantageously infused over time so that the dextran sulfate solution is infused over a few minutes of time to the patient, such as during 5 to 10 minutes.

Alternatively, dextran sulfate of the embodiment can be administered at multiple, i.e. at least two, occasions during a treatment period. Generally, for acute diseases, the duration of the treatment period could be a single administration but is preferably in the form of several administrations during a treatment period of, for instance, a week, a few weeks, or a month. Longer treatment periods up to three months or even a year can further improve healing and recovery.

The subject is an animal subject, preferably a mammalian subject and more preferably a human subject.

EXPERIMENTS

Characterization of Dextran and Dextran Sulfate

The primary study aim is to characterize the new dextran sulfate and compare physical and chemical differences between the dextran sulfate as compared to other similar dextran sulfate molecules.

NMR Spectroscopy

A 500 MHz Varian Inova spectrometer equipped with a 5 mm ¹H/¹³C/¹⁵N triple resonance probe was used in the performed NMR experiments. The following types of spectra were recorded using standard versions of 1D ¹H, 2D ¹H gradient-COSY (correlation spectroscopy), ¹H-¹³C HSQC (heteronuclear single quantum coherence spectroscopy), ¹H-¹³C HMBC (heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation spectroscopy) and 2D ¹H-¹H ROESY (rotating frame nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy) with adiabatic spinlock corresponding to a 200 millisecond mixing time. A 400 MHz Varian Inova spectrometer equipped with a 5 mm ¹H/¹³C switchable gradient probe (¹³C inner coil) was used for recording 1D ¹³C spectra. Spectra were recorded at room temperature (25° C.). Quantitative 1D ¹H NMR spectra was acquired using a total relaxation delay between the scans of 60 seconds with an acquisition time of 3 seconds and a spectra width of 14.5 ppm. The residual HDO signal was referenced to 4.75 ppm in the ¹H dimension while indirect chemical shift referencing was used in the ¹³C dimension using the gyromagnetic ratios of ¹³C and ¹H.

All NMR spectra were processed and analyzed with MestreNova 9.0.0. Processing of the 1D ¹H spectra was performed using a 1 Hz Lorentzian line broadening and base line correction (automatic Whitaker or a polynomial function of order 3). Integration was performed using the “peak mode” of MestreNova of 1D spectra using the following regions as reporters for various structural elements:

Atoms of interest in area (peaks may Area (ppm range) or may not be present) 6.11 . . . 5.93 sulfated end C1 in α-configuration 5.63 . . . 5.50 non-sulfated end C1 in α-configuration next to sulfated C2 5.43 . . . 5.22 non-end C1 next to sulfated C2 + non- sulfated end C1 in α-configuration next to non-sulfated C2 5.17 . . . 4.87 non-end C1 next to non-sulfated C2 + sulfated end C1 in β-configuration 4.70 . . . 3.54 C2-C6 (both sulfated and non-sulfated)

2D HSQC spectra weres subjected to pure sine square functions in both dimensions, and integration of selected rectangular spectral areas, see FIG. 5, was performed.

¹H chemical ¹³C chemical shift range shift range H1/C1 group 6.30-4.40 ppm 105.2-86.2 ppm  Sulfated H2/C2, 4.84-3.77 ppm 85.4-73.0 ppm H3/C3, H4/C4 H5/C5, H6/C6 and 4.56-3.08 ppm 72.6-58.3 ppm non-sulfated H2/C2, H3/C3, 3.77-3.08 ppm 77.8-72.6 ppm H4/C4 (2 areas) NMR Chemicals and Materials

Name Code no Batch D-purity Supplier D₂O 166301000 A0319250 99.8% Acros Organics, CAS 7789-20-0 D₂O 151882-1006 STBD4348V 99.9% Sigma Aldrich, CAS 7789-20-0

Wilmad NMR tubes, 5 mm diameter, Z565229-100EA, batch 3110

Experiment Validation

In order to assess the performance of the NMR-based end group assay, 1D ¹H NMR experiments were performed on a set of commercially available dextran molecular weight standards using a parameter set for fully quantitative analyses (recycle delay of 60 s). Notably, dextran standards are commonly also used as standards for molecular size determination of dextran sulfate since no dextran sulfate molecular size standards are commercially available.

Dextran Standard 1000 (product no. 31416, Fluka, batch no. BCBM6794V, CAS no. 9004-54-0) obtained from Leuconostoc Mesenteroides; Analytical standard for GPC, M_(w) 1000 Da.

Dextran Standard 5000 (product no. 31417, Fluka, batch no. BCBL9398V, CAS no. 9004-54-0) obtained from Leuconostoc Mesenteroides; Analytical standard for GPC, M_(w) 5000 Da.

Dextran Standard 12000 (product no. 31418, Fluka, batch no. BCBN0032V, CAS no. 9004-54-0) obtained from Leuconostoc Mesenteroides; Analytical standard for GPC, M_(w) 12000 Da.

Table 1 below compares the M_(n) values (in Da) obtained from the NMR spectroscopy measurements with the M_(n) values obtained from the supplier. The table also lists M_(w) and M_(p) values (in Da) as obtained from the supplier.

TABLE 1 molecular weight parameters for dextran standards Dextran M_(n) M_(n) M_(w) M_(p) standard (NMR) (supplier) (supplier) PDI (supplier) 1000 1055 1010 1270 1.26 1080 5000 2850 3260 5220 1.60 4440 12000 8105 8110 11600 1.43 9890

There is good agreement between the M_(n) values as measured using NMR spectroscopy with the data obtained from the supplier. The M_(n) values measured by NMR spectroscopy corresponds to 6.4, 17.4 and 49.9 glucose units, respectively, for the three dextran standards.

NMR Characterization of Dextran Starting Material

An NMR spectroscopy study was conducted on the dextran starting material used to produce dextran sulfate of the embodiments. The dextran (Pharmacosmos, Dextran 1, batch no. 345349) is produced by the enzyme dextran sucrose from Leuconostoc Mesentoroides B512F.

An NMR sample of the dextran was prepared in D₂O and analyzed in detail by 2D ¹H/¹³C NMR spectroscopy. Almost complete ¹H/¹³C chemical shift assignment was obtained from a set of 2D NMR spectra acquired at 25° C. in D₂O, see Table 2. The results indicate that the dextran is essentially unbranched, i.e. almost exclusively consisting of glucose rings linked together with α-(1→6)-glycoside bonds. No α-(1→3)-glycoside branching could be observed, implying that any such branching is lower than 0.5%. Furthermore, the data shows that the overall branching is <1% including α-(1→2)-, α-(1→3)- and α-(1→4)-branching.

TABLE 2 ¹H and ¹³C chemical shift assignment of Dextran 1 (25° C., D₂O) Relative Chemical shifts (ppm) intensity 1 2 3 4 5 6 Middle glucose unit 58% ¹H 4.95 3.55 3.70 3.49 3.89 3.95, 3.74 (unbranched) α(1→6) × 2 ¹³C 97.7 71.3 73.2 69.5 70.1 65.5 C1-terminal glucose unit with 12% ¹H 4.65 3.23 3.46 3.62 3.50 3.94 β-configuration of C1 ¹³C 96.0 74.0 75.9 74.1 69.4 65.5 C1-terminal glucose unit with  8% ¹H 5.21 3.51 3.68 3.49 3.99 3.99, 3.68 α-configuration of C1 ¹³C 92.1 69.9 72.9 69.5 69.9 65.7 C6-terminal glucose unit with 22% ¹H 4.94 3.53 3.69 3.40 3.69 3.83, 3.74 α-configuration of C1 ¹³C 97.6 71.3 71.8 69.4 73.0 60.4 Unidentified spin system <0.1%  ¹H 5.30 ¹³C 99.2

Notably, the terminal glucose ring with a free anomeric carbon (C1 terminal ring) exists both in the α-configuration (42%) and β-configuration (58%) as based on the observed ¹H/¹³C chemical shifts. The average number of glucose units in each dextran molecule is determined to be 5.1 glucose units using the integral values of the various H1 groups in the 1D ¹H spectrum and the average molecular weight was determined to be 852 Da. The degree of branching was determined to be less than 1%. FIG. 1 illustrates an expansion of 1D ¹H spectrum focused on the region with the dextran signals.

NMR Characterization of Dextran Sulfate

In the present study, three batches (batch nos. 1, 2 and 3) of the dextran sulfate of the embodiments where compared to three dextran sulfate products obtained from TdB Consultancy: dextran sulfate 5 LS (product no. DB005, batch no. 20288, low sulfated, molecular weight 5 kDa), dextran sulfate 5 HS (product no. DB004, batch nos. 20281 and 20300, high sulfated, molecular weight 5 kDa) and dextran sulfate 3 (batch no. 20341, high sulfated, molecular weight 3 kDa).

NMR Samples

PN004-83-01 The NMR sample was prepared by dissolving 33.91 mg of batch no. 1 of dextran sulfate of the embodiments in 500 μl D₂O. PN004-83-02 The NMR sample was prepared by dissolving 49.80 mg of batch no. 2 of dextran sulfate of the embodiments in 500 μl D₂O. PN004-83-03 The NMR sample was prepared by dissolving 35.45 mg of batch no. 3 of dextran sulfate of the embodiments in 500 μl D₂O. PN004-95-01 The NMR sample was prepared by dissolving 34 mg of dextran sulfate 3 from TdB Consultancy AB (batch no. 20341) in 520 μl D₂O. PN004-95-02 The NMR sample was prepared by dissolving 54.4 mg of dextran sulfate 5 LS from TdB Consultancy AB (batch no. 20228) in 520 μl D₂O. PN004-33-03 The NMR sample was prepared by dissolving 54.4 mg of dextran sulfate 5 HS from TdB Consultancy AB (batch no. 20281) in 520 μl D₂O. PN004-33-02 The NMR sample was prepared by dissolving 54.4 mg of dextran sulfate 5 HS from TdB Consultancy AB (batch no. 20300) in 520 μl D₂O. General NMR Comments

Dextran sulfate consists of a distribution of similar but non-identical molecules with various sulfate patterns, branching and sizes as well as differences in end group configuration and chemistry. This results in challenging structural analyses. NMR spectra of dextran sulfate are complex, see FIG. 2 illustrating a comparison of 1D ¹H NMR spectra of the dextran starting material and dextran sulfate. For this reason, it may be necessary to also use quantitative data from 2D spectra although the quantitative performance of 2D NMR normally is less accurate and precise as compared with quantitative 1D ¹H NMR techniques.

Few NMR publications exist with respect to this topic (Neville et al., J. Pharm. Sci., 80(3): 239-244 (1991) and Ludwig-Baxter et al., J. Pharm. Sci., 80(7): 655-660 (1991)). In sulfated glucose, the ¹H chemical shifts are in general shifted downfield (higher chemical shifts) increasingly with the distance to each introduced sulfate group. On the other hand, the ¹³C chemical shifts behave differently and the effect is depending on how many covalent bonds are between the carbon and the sulfate group(s). The ¹³C chemical shift of a carbon increases with 4-10 ppm if the sulfate is linked to that carbon while if a sulfate is bound to an adjacent carbon, the chemical shift effect is smaller but opposite. For sulfate groups linked to carbons further away, the effect is normally minute. Similar effects on ¹³C chemical shifts are expected upon branching. In summary, ¹³C chemical shifts are more useful reporters as they mainly are dependent on local geometry such as dihedral angles as well as nearby covalently bound atom types (typically 2-4 bonds apart).

End-Group Characterization

Compared with dextran, the NMR spectra of dextran sulfate are more complex due to the significantly increased number of NMR signals originating from various chemical environments for all combinations of sulfated/non-sulfated C2, C3 and C4 as well as the C1 and C6 end groups.

The C1 end groups (free anomeric carbon) are more readily analyzed than the C6 end groups due to the spectral characteristics even if the C1 end group is complicated by, for example, overlap between the peaks of the sulfated C1 in β-configuration and the non-end group C1 without sulfated C2. The large residual water signal located in the C1 region of the 1H spectra also complicates the analyses.

FIG. 3 illustrates a 2D ¹³C-¹H HSQC spectrum of dextran sulfate from batch no. 1 at 25° C. overlaid with the corresponding spectrum of the dextran starting material (Dextran1). The figure illustrates the tentative assignment of each H1/C1 group to a specific sulfation state. The figure indicates peaks belonging to the C1-terminal glucose unit and peaks belonging to the abundant middle and C6-terminal glucose rings. Effects due to possible sulfation of C6 in C6-terminal glucose rings are neglected.

FIG. 4 illustrates 1D ¹H NMR spectrum of dextran sulfate from batch no. 3 at 25° C. This figure illustrates the tentative assignment of each H1 peak to a specific sulfation state. The figure indicates peaks belonging to the C1-terminal glucose unit and peaks belonging to the abundant middle and C6-terminal glucose rings. The assignment is tentative in particular with respect to sulfation of C3 and C4 and those effects due to possible sulfation of C6 in C6-terminal glucose rings are neglected.

FIG. 6 illustrates a comparison of the dextran sulfate region in 1D ¹H NMR spectra of dextran sulfate from batch nos. 1-3 at 25° C.

All TdB samples except the low-sulfated dextran sulfate are modified in the C1-end. The ¹³C NMR chemical shifts of C1 are around 74-80 ppm. This indicates that the modification must involve a substitution of the hydroxyl group and that the replacing group is not bound via oxygen. Thus, this C1-modification is not a sulfate or phosphate, and neither can it be a chlorine deemed from the chemical shifts.

TABLE 3 C1 end group characteristics End group C1 End group C1 Modified Dextran sulfate sample α-configuration β-configuration end group C1 Dextran sulfate 3 — — >98% Dextran sulfate 5 LS 26% 74% Not observed Dextran sulfate 5 HS — — >98% batch no. 20281 Dextran sulfate 5 HS — — >98% batch no. 20300 Dextran sulfate 46% 54% Not observed batch no. 1 Dextran sulfate 49% 51% Not observed batch no. 2 Dextran sulfate 51% 49% Not observed batch no. 3 Branching

Data do not exclude that the dextran branching is present in the dextran sulfate samples. However, if any such branching is present it is at very low levels, <1-2%.

Degree of Sulfation and Other Chemical Modifications of Dextran Sulfate

Sulfation has been determined using primarily 2D ¹H-¹³C HSQC data complemented with 1D ¹H NMR data. With respect to the total degree of sulfation of C2, C3 and C4, an estimate can be obtained from integration of 2D peaks in the ¹H-¹³C HSQC spectrum. Estimates of average individual C2 and C3 sulfate levels are estimated from combined 1D and 2D data using C1 peaks as reporters on these three neighbors. The sulfation of C4 could not be determined but using the data of overall C2-C4 sulfation, the average degree of C4 sulfation must be considerably lower, definitely <70%.

TABLE 4 Degree of sulfation of dextran sulfate Sulfation Sulfation Sulfation Dextran sulfate Sulfation Individual sulfation end group end group of end sample of C2-C4^(Υ) C2 C3 C4 α-C1 β-C1 group C6 Dextran sulfate 3 68% (2.0) 89% ND ND ND* ND* 83% Dextran sulfate 5 LS 35% (1.1) 42%  26% ND 13% 74% 73% Dextran sulfate 5 HS 65% (2.0) 93% ~50% ND ND* ND* 82% batch no. 20281 Dextran sulfate 5 HS 76% (2.3) >95%^(† ) ~50% ND ND* ND* ND batch no. 20300 Dextran sulfate 80% (2.4) >95%  ~86% ND 41% >95%  96% batch no. 1 Dextran sulfate 76% (2.3) >95%  ~85% ND 16% 93% 89% batch no. 2 Dextran sulfate  79% (2.36) >95%  ~86% ND 30% 83% 91% batch no. 3 *Not determined due to modified C1 end. ^(†)Only estimated value as exact integration was prevented due to spectral overlap ^(Υ)Given in percentage and total number of sulfates per C2-C4 unit

Besides the investigation of C2-C4 sulfation, characterization of the degree of sulfation of the end groups are also outlined in Table 4 above. Notably, sulfation is considerably higher if the end group β-C1 is present, consistent with less steric hindrance with sulfate in an equatorial position.

Please note that the α- and β-configurations are in equilibrium via the open aldehyde state which, however, is not readily observed but always there at very low levels.

Molecular Weight and Size

All the Certificates of Analysis for the various batches of dextran sulfate investigated report M_(w) as the molecular size measure. In addition, light scattering data has been determined, see Annex 1, on the dextran sulfate batch nos. 1-3 reporting M_(w) and M_(n). The current NMR data provides M_(n) as output based primarily on end group analysis, i.e. ratio between the peak areas of end groups versus those of middle-groups (NMR peak areas). The average number of glucose units is determined on the dextran starting material and confirmed fully consistent with the NMR data on the corresponding dextran sulfate batch.

TABLE 5 molecular size characteristics in Da of dextran sulfate samples Average Average sulfate no. of no. per M_(n) M_(n) glucose glucose (without (with Dextran sulfate sample units unit Na⁺) Na⁺) Dextran sulfate 3 3.5 2.3 1223 1406 Dextran sulfate 5 LS 5.1 1.3 1378 1531 Dextran sulfate 5 HS 5.1 2.1 1706 1954 batch no. 20281 Dextran sulfate 5 HS 5.1 2.4 1827 2109 batch no. 20300 Dextran sulfate batch 5.1 2.7 1957 2276 no. 1 Dextran sulfate batch 5.1 2.6 1891 2192 no. 2 Dextran sulfate batch 5.1 2.7 1929 2241 no. 3

Data of the dextran sulfate samples (except of dextran sulfate 3) are fully consistent with an average molecular size of ˜5 glucose units per dextran sulfate molecule.

TABLE 6 Comparison of molecular weight data in Da from different techniques M_(w) (certificate M_(w) (light M_(n) (light M_(n) Dextran sulfate sample of analysis) scattering) scattering) (NMR) Dextran sulfate 3 3300 1406 Dextran sulfate 5 LS 3200 1531 Dextran sulfate 5 HS 4016 1954 batch no. 20281 Dextran sulfate 5 HS 4645 2109 batch no. 20300 Dextran sulfate batch 5699 2757 2487 2276 no. 1 Dextran sulfate batch 5897 3999 3192 2192 no. 2 Dextran sulfate batch 7118 9713 6757 2241 no. 3 M_(w) (certificate of analysis) has been obtained using SEC

This big discrepancy between the molecular weight parameter as determined by NMR and the other molecular weight parameters listed in Table 6 may be explained by that molecular weight of dextran sulfate are normally determined using more indirect methods as gel exclusion/penetration chromatography, light scattering or viscosity. All these methods rather report on the molecular size. This means that if the dextran sulfate molecules form various aggregates or complexes, a higher apparent molecular weight is determined.

These indirect methods rather report on molecular volume and shape, which may differ significantly not only from batch to batch but also from sample to sample within the same batch depending on, for instance, how the dextran sulfate material has been stored, how it is prepared prior to the measurement, etc.

In-Depth Structural Characterization of Dextran Sulfate

Based on a thorough analysis of a set of 1D and 2D NMR data acquired on dextran sulfate batch no. 3, a serious attempt was performed to understand the sulfation pattern at an atomic resolution of this dextran sulfate sample further. Given the close similarity of the 1D ¹H and 2D ¹³C-1H HSQC spectra with dextran sulfate batch nos. 1 and 2, the findings presented in this section are assumed to be valid for dextran sulfate batches of the embodiments in general.

Overall Degree of Sulfation and Sample Composition

Starting from an overview perspective, the ¹³C-¹H HSQC spectrum permits to determine a relatively accurate estimate of the degree of sulfation, see FIG. 7. Dextran sulfate batch no. 3 has in average 2.4±0.1 sulfate groups per glucose unit at the C2, C3 and C4 positions. Each peak in FIG. 7 corresponds to C—H bond with different chemical environment. Peak areas correspond roughly to the population of each C—H bond. Three distinct areas are observed enabling quantification of the overall degree of dextran sulfation. At the top the corresponding region of the 1D ¹H spectrum is aligned.

Using an average value of 2.66 sulfates per glucose units and 5.1 glucose units, the calculated weight % of sulfur is about 19% assuming that the sample consists of 100% dextran sulfate.

Investigation of Sulfation at C2, C3 and C4

Due to the highly overlapped regions, sulfation patterns are studied almost exclusively using the ¹H/¹³C chemical shifts and corresponding peak areas of the H1/C1 groups located in different kinds of glucose units. Based on the ¹H/¹³C chemical shift assignments of dextran, literature data and not least on the acquired 2D NMR data, H1/C1 signals were tentatively assigned to specific C1 groups with various chemical environment and degree of sulfation. This assignment is depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Based on the assignments and measurement of 1D ¹H peaks and associated peak integrals, it appears that the population of the configuration of the anomeric C1-group of C1-terminal glucose has shifted to a more equal, 0.49:0.51 ratio, for α:β configuration assuming that average length of the dextran itself has not changed upon the chemical sulfation procedure. The free α-C1 group is sulfated to ˜30% while the degree of sulfation is β-C1 is estimated to be significantly higher and around 83%.

With respect to determining the degree of sulfation of C2, C3 and C4, the analysis is easiest for C2 that is definitely highly sulfated >95%, and assuming that the ratio is correctly estimated for the α:β configuration of C1-terminal glucose the sulfation degree is calculated to ˜99%. C3 is sulfated to 82% for glucose units C1 involved in α(1→6) glycosidic linkages, i.e. middle and C6-terminal rings, as well as C1-terminal glucose units with free C1. For C1-terminal glucose units with sulfated C1, the sulfation of C3 appears higher, ˜86%. Calculation of number of sulfates per C4 is more difficult but using the overall ratio of 2.4 sulfates per glucose ring and 99% sulfation for C2, 82% sulfation for C3, the degree of sulfation is estimated to be ˜60%.

NMR Characterization of Dextran and Dextran Sulfate from Meito

Using the previously established 1D ¹H and 2D ¹³C-¹H HSQC NMR methodology for structural characterization of dextran and dextran sulfate, dextran and dextran sulfate samples obtained from Meito Sangyo Co., Ltd. where investigated.

NMR Samples

PN004-99-04 The NMR sample was prepared by dissolving 43.4 mg of dextran from Meito Sangyo Co., Ltd. (batch. no TL-2385) in 520 μl D₂O. PN004-99-05 The NMR sample was prepared by dissolving 58.7 mg of dextran sulfate Sulfur 18 from Meito Sangyo Co., Ltd. (batch no. N-3188) in 520 μl D₂O. NMR Results

The average number of glucose units in the dextran was determined to be 11.7 with a M_(n) of 1920 Da. The M_(n) of dextran sulfate Sulfur 18 was determined to be within 4120 and 4200 Da excluding any sodium counter ion and within 4710 and 4790 Da with the sodium counter ion. The degree of C1 end group in α-configuration was 59% and the degree of branching was estimated to be 4.8%.

The degree of sulfation of positions C2-C4 was determined to be 76% (2.29 sulfate groups per glucose unit). The degree of sulfation of C2 position was estimated to be 93%. The degree of C1 end group in α-configuration was 71% and the degree of sulfation of α-C1 end groups was 83%. The degree of sulfation of C1 end group in β-configuration was >90%. No chemical modifications of C1 end groups besides sulfation were detected.

Comparisons of Biological Effects of Different Dextran Sulfate Molecules

The present studies compare various biological effects of the different dextran sulfate molecules showing that dextran sulfate of the embodiments have superior biological effects while not being toxic.

Comparison on Mobilization of Hematopoietic Cells by Molecular Weight Dextran Sulfate of Different Average Molecular Weights

Animals

Female DBA/2Ola mice (Harlan, Holland) were kept at the animal facility at Uppsala University housed under standard conditions and were provided with food and water ad libitum. Animals weighing 17-22 g were used.

Experimental Design

DBA/2-females were grouped into four groups: 1) vehicle (aq. NaCl) (n=8), 2) 50 mg/kg dextran sulfate 3, DS3, (n=5), 3) 50 mg/kg dextran sulfate batch no. 3 (n=5) and 4) 50 mg/kg dextran sulfate batch no. 3, PNB, (n=5). Group 4) was sedated with sodium pentobarbital (PNB) instead of isoflurane, to evaluate if a change in anesthesia protocol affects mobilization.

Administration of Substance

Dextran sulfate of the embodiments (batch no. 3) and dextran sulfate 3 (TdB Consultancy, batch no. 20341, DS3) were dissolved in 0.9% NaCl (Fresenius Kabi), to 20 mg/mL and filtered through 20 μm filter to obtain a sterile solution. The animals received 2.5 mL/kg (app. 50 μL) intravenously through the tail vein.

Hematological Analysis

The results are shown in FIG. 8 and Table 7. Dextran sulfate 3 did not show any significant alteration in overall WBC or lymphocytes whereas a slight decrease in neutrophils was reported.

TABLE 7 hematological variables in peripheral blood after administration of dextran sulfate substances DS batch DS batch no. Unit Vehicle DS3 no. 3 3 PNB Platelets 10⁹/L 943 ± 40  925 ± 30   950 ± 31 980 ± 11  Hemoglobin g/L 128 ± 2   128 ± 4  129 ± 3  135 ± 2*  Erythrocytes 10¹²/L 10 ± 0.1 9.6 ± 0.2  9.7 ± 0.2 10.1 ± 0.2* Hematocrit (EFV)  0.42 ± 0.005  0.42 ± 0.008   0.43 ± 0.008  0.44 ± 0.01* MCV fL 44 ± 0.3 44 ± 0   44 ± 0.4  44 ± 0.3 MCHC g/L 308 ± 1   302 ± 6  305 ± 1  304 ± 4  Reticulocytes 10⁹/L  3 ± 0.4  3 ± 0.4    4 ± 0.6  4 ± 0.4 Leukocytes (WBC) 10⁹/L  3 ± 0.2 3.0 ± 0.4    10.1 ± 1.0***   8.5 ± 0.7*** Neutrophils 10⁹/L 1.0 ± 0.1   0.7 ± 0.1*   1.4 ± 0.2* 0.8 ± 0.2 Eosinophils 10⁹/L  0.1 ± 0.02 0.1 ± 0  0.1 ± 0 0.1 ± 0  Basophils 10⁹/L 0.1 ± 0  0.1 ± 0  0.1 ± 0 0.1 ± 0  Lymphocytes 10⁹/L  2 ± 0.1 2.2 ± 0.4    8.5 ± 0.9***   7.4 ± 0.7*** Monocytes 10⁹/L 0.05 ± 0.02  0.02 ± 0.02 0.1 ± 0 0.06 ± 0.02 Time of blood sample min 31 ± 0.3  32 ± 0.4  31 ± 0.2  33 ± 1.4 after DS MVC = Mean Corpuscular Volume; MCHC = Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration Hematological variables compared to vehicle (NaCl): *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01. ***p < 0.001

Dextran sulfate 3 did not induce a significant increase in the number of CFC, as shown in FIG. 9. Dextran sulfate batch no. 3 induced a significant increase in HGF independent of the use of anesthesia, whereas the lower molecular weight substance 3 showed no significant increase in HGF, see FIG. 10. The data presented herein shows that dextran sulfate 3 is a poor mobilizing agent compared to the dextran sulfate of the embodiments. Dextran sulfate 3 did not increase HGF to any degree beyond vehicle.

Comparison on Preventive Treatment by Molecular Weight Dextran Sulfates in MOG₁₋₁₂₅ Induced Chronic EAE

The objective of this study was to compare the preventative treatment effects of a dextran sulfate of the embodiments (batch no. 3) with dextran sulfate 5 HS (TdB Consultancy, batch no. 20300) in MOG₁₋₁₂₅ induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

Animals

All animal experiments were carried out according to the National Institute of Health (NIH) guidelines for the care and use of laboratory animals, and approved by the Finnish National Animal Experiment Board. Altogether 90 female Dark Agouti rats, weighing 120-170 g, purchased from Harlan Laboratories, UK were used in experiments. Animals were housed at a standard temperature (22±1° C.) and in a light-controlled environment (lights on from 7 am to 8 pm) with ad libitum access to food (Harlan 2016) and water. Animals were grouped as follows:

Group 1: 15 EAE rats treated s.c. once-a-day, three times a week with vehicle (saline) starting on day 0 after inoculation of MOG EAE and continued according to the dosing schedule until end-point.

Group 2: 15 EAE rats treated s.c. once-a-day, three times a week with dextran sulfate 5 HS (TdB Consultancy, batch no. 20300) (30.0 mg/kg) starting on day 0 after inoculation and continued according to the dosing schedule until end-point.

Group 3: 15 EAE rats treated s.c. once-a-day, three times a week with a dextran sulfate according to the embodiments (batch no. 3) (30.0 mg/kg) starting on day 0 after inoculation and continued according to the dosing schedule until end-point.

Induction and Clinical Scoring of EAE

EAE was induced by administration of 100 μL inoculum intradermally at the base of the tail. The inoculum consisted of 20 μg of recombinant MOG1-125 (NordicBioSite) in PBS (0.01 M) emulsified with incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) (Sigma F5506) (1:1) containing 200 μg of heat-inactivated Mycobacterium tuberculosis (strain H 37 RA; Difco, Detroit, Mich.).

Clinical scoring was performed every day for the 36 Study days, starting on day 0 and continued until the end-point day 35. Clinical scoring was performed blinded during the course of the study and according to the Clinical Scoring Principles listed below.

Score Manifestations 0 Normal 0.5 Partial tail weakness 1.0 Complete tail paralysis (all of tail dragged along) 2.0 Partial weakness in one limb (usually hind limb) 2.5 Complete paralysis in one limb - (no movement preserved in affected limb). 3.0 Partial weakness in both hind limbs 3.5 Complete paralysis in both hind-limbs (no movement in hind limbs), or partial weakness in limbs on one side of the body (hemiparesis). 4 Partial weakness in all four limbs or complete weakness on one side of the body (hemiplegia). 5 Complete paralysis of all four limbs (tetraplegia), moribund.

Cumulative disease index (CDI) is indicated as cumulative disease burden, the sum of the Clinical Score values, during the course of the Study. Disease onset (DO) indicates the Study day when the visible symptoms of EAE have been observed for the first time (Clinical Score value ≥0.5).

All the rats in the Study received the dextran sulfates or corresponding vehicle between days 0 and 34 according to the following dosing schedule:

Group 1 received vehicle (saline, 9 mg/ml, Baxter) administered subcutaneously (s.c.) three times a week (Mon-Wed-Fri) between 7-11 a.m. The dosing volume for vehicle was 5.0 ml/kg. Vehicle administration was started on day 0 after induction of MOG EAE and continued until either Study day 32 or Study day 33 depending on the weekday of the inoculation and the dosing schedule.

Group 2 received dextran sulfate 5 HS (TdB Consultancy, batch no. 20300) with the dose of 30.0 mg/kg administered subcutaneously (s.c.) three times a week (Mon-Wed-Fri) between 7-11 a.m. The dosing volume was 5.0 ml/kg. Administration was started on day 0 after induction of MOG EAE and continued until either Study day 32 or Study day 33 depending on the weekday of the inoculation and the dosing schedule.

Group 3 received a dextran sulfate according to the embodiments (batch no. 3) with the dose of 30.0 mg/kg administered subcutaneously (s.c.) three times a week (Mon-Wed-Fri) between 7-11 a.m. The dosing volume was 5.0 ml/kg. Administration was started on day 0 after induction of MOG EAE and continued until either Study day 32 or Study day 33 depending on the weekday of the inoculation and the dosing schedule.

End-point Tissue and Plasma Collection

At the end-point, on day 35, all rats were deeply anesthetized with pentobarbital (Mebunat®, 60 mg/ml, Orion Pharma). After this, blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture. The total of 800-1000 μl of blood was collected into Li-heparin micro tubes and centrifuged with 2000×G for 10 minutes at +4° C. Two 200 μl aliquots of plasma were collected into two separate plasma-collecting matrix polypropylene tubes, frozen on dry ice and are stored at −80° C. until either used for further analysis.

For histological samples, rats were transcardially perfused for 10 min with cold heparinized (2.5 IU/ml) saline followed by at least 10 min perfusion with cold 4% paraformaldehyde in 0.1 M phosphate buffer. The cerebellum and the rest of brains and spinal cord C and T-segments (1 cm each) were excised and post-fixed by immersion in 4% paraformaldehyde in 0.1 M phosphate buffer at +4° C. for at least 24 h. The samples were then changed to 0.01 M PBS containing 0.001% sodium azide (Sigma) as preservative, stored at +4° C. until used for possible histological analysis.

General Health Status and Humane End-Points

Animals were monitored twice-a-day by laboratory personnel (8 am and 4 μm). In case of the general health status of an animal got significantly worse, the rat was euthanized by an overdose of CO₂ and neck dislocation. Euthanized rats or rats found dead were subjected to macroscopic examination as soon as possible after death. When necropsy was not immediate, carcasses were refrigerated at ˜4° C. until necropsy was performed at Charles River DRS, Finland. Definitions of acceptable endpoints included: no spontaneous movements and inability to drink or eat in 24-h observation period, massive bleeding, spontaneous inflammation, missing anatomy, swelling or tumors.

Model (EAE) specific end-points justifying the euthanizing of the rat included: clinical score reaching level 4 (partial weakness in all limbs or hemiplegia), righting reflex >30 seconds, and the dropping of body weight for over 25% from the baseline.

Statistical Analysis

All values are presented as mean±standard deviation (SD) or standard error of mean (SEM), and differences are considered to be statistically significant at the P<0.05 level. Statistical analysis was performed by using StatsDirect statistical software. Differences among means were analyzed by using 1-way-ANOVA followed by Dunnet's test (comparison to the vehicle treated group). Non-parametric data was analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA (between groups).

Body Weight

The body weight of the rats was monitored daily starting from day 0 and continued until End-point day 35. All rats in groups 2 and 3 gained weight similar to the vehicle group 1 during the course of the Study (p>0.05).

Disease Incidence and Survival

For all the rats in the Study, the mortality by groups was as follows:

Group 1: 40% (6/15);

Group 2: 20% (4/15); and

Group 3: 7% (1/15).

Cumulative Disease Index

The Cumulative Disease Index (CDI) indicates the sum of Clinical Score values during the 36 days; from inoculation day 0 to the end-point day 35. High value of the index represents an advanced disease and low value of the index indicates mild symptoms.

The effects of subcutaneously administered dextran sulfate compounds and the vehicle on Cumulative Disease Index are presented in FIG. 11. There were no significant differences in Cumulative Disease Index between vehicle group animals (group 1) and group 2. However, dextran sulfate treatment in group 3 reduced the mean CDI by 31% compared to vehicle.

Hence, the dextran sulfate according to the embodiments (batch no. 3) had improved biological effects as assessed by CDI as compared to dextran sulfate 5 HS for subjects with EAE.

EAE is an animal model of inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). It is widely studied as an animal model of the human CNS demyelinating diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Hence, the dextran sulfate of the embodiments seem to have beneficial effects in terms of treating or at least reducing the symptoms of MS and ADEM.

Comparison of Toxicity Between Dextran Sulfate Molecules

Toxicity in Spraque-Dawley rats by single dose dextran sulfate administered by i.v. injection was evaluated during a 2 week observation period. The vehicle used in these experiments was 75 mM CAM in 0.9% NaCl.

In this study, a dextran sulfate of the embodiments (batch no. 3) and dextran sulfate (DS-18) produced by Meito Sangyo Co., Ltd. (batch nos. N-3188 and N-3190) were given to male Sprague Dawley rats by single bolus injection at the dose levels 70 and 140 mg/kg with an observation period of 14 days. The study comprised in total of 7 groups as follows; one control; DS-S18, batch no. N-3188; DS-S18 batch no. N-3190; and dextran sulfate batch no. 3, see Table 8. Five animals were included in each dose group except for dextran sulfate batch no. 3, 70 mg/kg in which 10 animals were included. Pathology was performed on the lungs from all animals in the study and on selected organs in the groups treated with dextran sulfate batch no. 3 (adrenal glands, femur with bone marrow, heart, kidneys, liver, mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, thymus and the injection site).

TABLE 8 experimental design Group 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Dose (mg/kg) 0 70  140  70  140  70 140  Compound vehi- DS-S18 DS-S18 DS batch (batch no.) cle (N-3188) (N-3190) no. 3 No. of animals 5 5 5 5 5 10 5

No deaths occurred in the study. On the day of dosing (day 1) animals receiving dextran sulfate showed dyspnea, about 10 min after dosing in all groups with some degree of dose relationship. The highest incidence was observed in animals given 140 mg/kg. The severity observed in most animals was slight except for those receiving 140 mg/kg of DS-S18, batch N-3188 which showed moderate dyspnea in four out of five animals. During the remaining observation period (days 2-15) most animals given 140 mg/kg of DS-S18, both batches, showed dyspnea. One animal given dextran sulfate batch no. 3 showed dyspnea days 6-15.

At histological examination treatment related changes in animals dosed with the test compounds were observed in the lungs and consisted of alveolar histiocytosis and alveolar septal thickening/increased cellularity. An increased incidence and severity of these changes was noted in the majority of animals receiving 140 mg/kg of both batches of the test compound DS-S18. Only one single animal out of ten receiving 70 mg/kg of dextran sulfate batch no. 3 showed minimal changes, and three out of five receiving 140 mg/kg showed minimal to moderate findings. In addition to the lung findings a marginally increased degree of extramedullary haematopoiesis was noted in the spleen at all dose groups, however, considered to be of questionable toxicological significance.

TABLE 9 incidence and severity of microscopic changes in the lung of treated animals Group 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Dose (mg/kg) 0 70  140  70  140  70  140  Compound vehi- DS-S18 DS-S18 DS batch (batch no.) cle (N-3188) (N-3190) no. 3 No. of animals 5 5 5 5 5 10  5 Lung alveolar histiocytosis minimal focal 0 0 1 2 0 1 2 minimal 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 multifocal slight 0 0 3 0 3 0 1 Total incidence 0 0 4 3 3 1 3 Alveolar septa thickening/increased cellularity minimal focal 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 minimal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 multifocal slight 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 moderate 0 0 3 0 3 0 1 Total incidence 0 0 3 1 3 1 2 Alveolar haemorrhages minimal focal 0 0 0 1 0 2 2 minimal 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 multifocal slight 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 Total incidence 0 0 1 1 1 2 2

Of the compounds tested in the present study, dextran sulfate batch no. 3 showed less pronounced lung toxicity than DS-18.

NMR Analysis of Dextran Sulfate from Sigma-Aldrich

Structural characteristics of a dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) from Sigma-Aldrich (product no. 31404) has been determined using 1 D 1H and 2D 13C-1H HSQC NMR spectroscopy. The Certificate of Analysis from Sigma-Aldrich with regard to the dextran sulfate (product no. 31404) indicates a molecular weight (M_(r)) of 5000 Da and an average sulfur content is 17%, which is equivalent to approximately 2.3 sulfate groups per glucosyl residue.

The NMR sample was prepared by dissolving 35.9 mg of dextran sulfate from Sigma-Aldrich (product no. 31404) in 510 μl D₂O.

Results

Number of glucose units: 26-50

M_(n): 8600-16900 Da

Degree of C1 in α-configuration: not determined but >50% (α-configuration>>β-configuration)

Degree of sulfation C2-C4: 74%

Degree of sulfated α-C1 end group: 49%

Degree of sulfated β-C1 end group: not determined

The most precise method to determine the number of glucose units in dextran sulfate molecules is to perform simultaneous analysis of the corresponding dextran used as starting material for the dextran sulfate production. Without NMR data on the corresponding dextran, the spectral overlap in the region of 4.8-5.2 ppm in the 2D 13C-1H HSQC spectrum, see FIG. 14, prevents quantification of the fraction end-C1 in β-anomer configuration as well as the degree of sulfated β-C1 end groups. FIG. 13 illustrates the 1D ¹H NMR spectrum for dextran sulfate from Sigma Aldrich (product no. 31404).

Thus, the calculated number of glucose units in the sample dextran sulfate (product no. 31404) is reported as an interval, with the degree of terminal C1 in the α-configuration ranging from 50% to 100%. The 2D ¹³C-¹H HSQC spectrum data displays no signals in the expected region of the β-C1 end group suggesting that the number of glucose units lies in the upper part of the reported interval.

Discussion

The NMR results indicate that the molecular weight of dextran sulfate with molecular weight M_(r) 5000 Da from Sigma-Aldrich (product no. 31404) actually has a number average molecular weight M_(n) as measured by NMR-spectroscopy within an interval of 8600 Da and 16900 Da.

Functional Test of Dextran Sulfate from Different Manufactures

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the functional effect of dextran sulfate from different manufactures on activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in an ex vivo human assay.

APTT is a medical test that characterizes blood coagulation. Apart from detecting abnormalities in blood clotting, it is also a performance indicator of the efficacy of both the contact activation pathway and the common coagulation pathways.

Method and Equipment

APTT was measured in human plasma using the Start® 4 from Diagnostica Stago according to the manufacturer's instruction. Dextran sulfate was dissolved to 1 mg/ml in 75 mM citrate buffer with an initial pH of 5.9 and then added to the human plasma to a final dextran sulfate concentration of 10 μg/ml.

Four different dextran sulfate batches from Meito Sangyo Co., Ltd., Japan (N-3178, N-3179, N-3180, N-3181), one dextran sulfate batch from Sigma-Aldrich, U.S. (average molecular weight 5000 Da, product no. 31404) and two dextran sulfate batches (batch no. 1 and batch no. 2) according to the embodiments were analyzed. From each batch four separately weighted samples were processed and on each of these samples the APTT was measured in duplicates. All sample handling was performed in parallel and on the same day. In the next day all APTT measurements was performed on all samples to obtain comparable results.

The use of plasma instead of whole blood in the APTT analysis makes the analysis more robust and the results vary less.

Results

The results from the APTT analysis is presented in Table 10 below. Baseline for APTT was plasma measured as a negative control.

TABLE 10 APTT in plasma after dextran sulfate treatment Dextran sulfate APTT (s) Mean SEM Negative control 27.5 Meito N-3178 56.3 59.5 1.1 Meito N-3179 60.2 Meito N-3180 62.2 Meito N-3181 59.1 Sigma Aldrich 31404 78.6 Batch no. 1 49.1 51.8 2.7 Batch no. 2 54.5

There was a significant difference in APTT as measured for dextran sulfate according to the embodiments and dextran sulfate from other manufactures. In particular, dextran sulfate (5000 Da, product no. 31404) from Sigma-Aldrich resulted in a significantly higher APTT as compared to dextran sulfate according to the embodiments.

The embodiments described above are to be understood as a few illustrative examples of the present invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations and changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, different part solutions in the different embodiments can be combined in other configurations, where technically possible. The scope of the present invention is, however, defined by the appended claims.

ANNEX 1

The light scattering experiments were conducted on a Size-Exclusion Chromatography MultiAngle Laser Light Scattering (SEC-MALLS) system consisting of an Agilent 1260 Infinity series HPLC system and a connected MiniDAWN TREOS light scattering detector (Wyatt Technologies). The following analysis parameters were used in the light scattering experiments:

-   -   Flow=1.00 mL/min.     -   Column/dRI detector temperature=40° C.     -   Collection Interval=0.5 s.     -   Injection volume=10 μL     -   Dn/dc=0.1470 mL/g     -   MALLS wavelength=656 nm     -   Calibration constant (MALLS)=4.7303×10{circumflex over ( )}−5         1/(V cm)

The dextran sulfate sample was dissolved in 2 mL 0.1 M sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) with 400 ppm sodium azide (NaN₃) as mobile phase (eluent). 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A dextran sulfate having: a number average molecular weight, M_(n), as measured by nuclear magnetic resonance, NMR, spectroscopy within an interval of 1850 and 3500 Da; an average sulfate number per glucose unit within an interval of 2.5 and 3.0; and an average sulfation of C2 position in the glucose units of said dextran sulfate of at least 90%, or a salt thereof.
 2. The dextran sulfate according to claim 1, wherein said M_(n) as measured by NMR spectroscopy is within an interval of 1850 and 2500 Da.
 3. The dextran sulfate according to claim 2, wherein said M_(n) as measured by NMR spectroscopy is within an interval of 1850 and 2300 Da.
 4. The dextran sulfate according to claim 1, wherein said average sulfate number per glucose unit is within an interval of 2.5 and 2.8.
 5. The dextran sulfate according to claim 4, wherein said average sulfate number per glucose unit is within an interval of 2.6 and 2.7.
 6. The dextran sulfate according to claim 1, wherein said average sulfation of said C2 position is at least 95%.
 7. The dextran sulfate according to claim 1, wherein an average sulfate number at C2, C3 and C4 positions in said glucose units is within an interval of 2.2 and 2.6.
 8. The dextran sulfate according to claim 7, wherein said average sulfate number at said C2, C3 and C4 positions is within an interval of 2.3 and 2.5.
 9. The dextran sulfate according to claim 1, wherein said dextran sulfate has an average number of glucose units within an interval of 4.0 and 6.0.
 10. The dextran sulfate according to claim 9, wherein said average number of glucose units is within an interval of 4.5 and 5.5.
 11. The dextran sulfate according to claim 10, wherein said average number of glucose units is within an interval of 5.0 and 5.2.
 12. The dextran sulfate according to claim 1, wherein said dextran sulfate has an average branching of glucose units that is less than 3.0%.
 13. The dextran sulfate according to claim 12, wherein said average branching is less than 1.5%.
 14. The dextran sulfate according to claim 1, wherein said salt of dextran sulfate is a sodium salt and said sodium salt of dextran sulfate including Na⁺ counter ions has a M_(n) as measured by NMR spectroscopy within an interval of 2000 and 2500 Da.
 15. The dextran sulfate according to claim 14, wherein said sodium salt of dextran sulfate including said Na⁺ counter ion has a M_(n) as measured by NMR spectroscopy within an interval of 2100 and 2300 Da.
 16. The dextran sulfate according to claim 1, wherein an end group C1 position is sulfated or is bound to —OH. 